RANSVESTIA

has accepted this well enough to go out at times. I met a great gal over 18 years ago in A.A. who is now a young 72 years old and still owns and operates a little gift and card shop. I told her about Laurette and she is the best companion and friend I will ever have. As Page wrote in TVia #80, every F.P. should have a nice G.G. Well it is true, as we do need an understanding and close friend who accepts us as we are and helps us in so many ways to be better women.

Madge assists me in make-up, dress, poise, etc., and we go every- where together, be it the theatre, dining, shopping, travelling in car or public transit - we have so much fun. We are as close as sisters, and she never thinks of me being anyone but Laurette when we are together. It is so rewarding and wonderful. When I am off work, I usually help her in her store. If I was retired now I would and could live full-time, but will just have to wait till I do retire, then Laurette will travel just as our Virginia does.

I am sure none of this would or could have happened if I hadn't found out and accepted myself completely for what I am and making the best of what I have. This is the edge I have over many others, as they do not know who or what they are or where they are going. I do feel compassion for them and wish I could help them in some way. Maybe this story will help.

Now, I have to relate an experience I had about last November. Laurette was on her way out to Madge's for a small supper and get- together on a Sunday. At a stoplight I looked for anyone near the crosswalk before making my turn. While watching left traffic, I was easing around the comer. Suddenly in front of the car were two ladies, one of whom I just pushed to the ground. She was not hurt, only scratched up a bit. I put her in my car to take her to the hospital, but the police and an ambulance were called. Was I ever shook up! The policeman asked for my license and when seeing it, asked if it was mine, saying yes. He said, "You sure fooled me, ma'am." Then he took all the particulars down, calling me "ma'am" all the time. Another officer came too, but was only interested in my new fur coat, a beautiful raccoon that I had always wanted for myself.

After all information was taken down, I was told I could go on. Not a word was mentioned at all of my being dressed, either by them or by the insurance man when he came to get all the data on the acci- dent. This was my first encounter with the law in any way and it will